עָשַׂר
a.sar
to tithe
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
SupportedThe Hebrew word "אָסַר" (H6237) is primarily defined as "to tithe." This verb suggests a relationship between giving a tenth of one's earnings or possessions and worship or ritual practices. The limited number of occurrences in the Bible (9 times) indicates that it was a significant yet narrowly focused aspect of Hebrew cultural and spiritual life. The specific focus on tithing implies a connection between material wealth and devotion to a higher power or spiritual authority. The significance of this word can be gleaned from the context in which it appears, suggesting that the act of giving a tenth may have held deep symbolic or spiritual meaning. Given its limited scope and specialized meaning, the Hebrew word "אָסַר" might be more accurately characterized as a unique linguistic expression related to the practice of tithing, rather than a general concept with broader applications. Its relatively rare usage underscores its distinctiveness within the Hebrew language.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences across the text
and that we should bring the first fruits of our dough, our wave offerings, the fruit of all kinds of trees, and the new wine and the oil, to the priests, to the rooms of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground to the Levites; for they, the Levites, take the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
Nehemiah 10:38The priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes. The Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the rooms, into the treasure house.
Genesis 28:22then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, will be God’s house. Of all that you will give me I will surely give a tenth to you.”
Genesis 28:22then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, will be God’s house. Of all that you will give me I will surely give a tenth to you.”
Deuteronomy 14:22You shall surely tithe all the increase of your seed, that which comes out of the field year by year.
Deuteronomy 14:22You shall surely tithe all the increase of your seed, that which comes out of the field year by year.
Deuteronomy 26:12When you have finished tithing all the tithe of your increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within your gates and be filled.
1 Samuel 8:15He will take one tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give it to his officers, and to his servants.
1 Samuel 8:17He will take one tenth of your flocks; and you will be his servants.